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Phil Salt Took Revenge On KKR? RCB Opener Reveals Having 'No Friends' In IPL

Soumyajit Dutta

Phil Salt [Source: iplt20.com]Phil Salt [Source: iplt20.com]

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) launched their Indian Premier League 2025 campaign with a dominant seven-wicket triumph against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Saturday. 

Openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt starred with explosive half-centuries, powering RCB to chase down KKR’s 174/8 with 22 balls to spare. The victory underscored RCB’s intent to shed their perennial underachiever tag, outclassing the hosts in both bowling and batting departments.

Phil Salt’s Red-Hot Revenge On KKR!

Phil Salt, released by KKR ahead of the 2025 mega-auction, delivered a blistering payback. The Englishman, acquired by RCB for INR 11.50 crore, bludgeoned 20 runs off Varun Chakravarthy’s first over, setting the tone for the chase. Reflecting on his match-winning partnership with Kohli, Salt said:

“Probably the partnership… we haven’t batted much together, and to go out there and put a partnership was really pleasing. It is a ground I know, and I know these guys (KKR) very well. Yes, it did (the ball came on nicely in the second innings), and you just needed to stand still and hit the ball—it does make a difference. That is what we spoke about as a batting group; very pleased with the outcome."

Salt also remarked on having his time with KKR as he won the trophy. Well, he didn't forget to mention that he does not have any friends in the camp or in the league because of this continuous franchise shuffle.

"Had a great time here last year and won the trophy. Obviously, there are no friends out there (in this league).”

Virat Kohli And Phil Salt Sprinkle Madness Against KKR!

Opting to bowl first, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar saw KKR’s Ajinkya Rahane (56) and Sunil Narine (44) forge a fiery 107-run opening stand in 10 overs. However, Krunal Pandya (3/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/22) triggered a collapse, restricting KKR to a below-par total. The middle order faltered under pressure, managing just 67 runs in the final 10 overs.

After Salt’s dismissal in the ninth over at 95/1, Kohli anchored the chase with characteristic precision, rotating strike and capitalizing on loose deliveries. Patidar’s fiery 16-ball 34 sealed the deal, showcasing RCB’s batting depth.

The win propels RCB to a strong start ahead of their clash against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on March 28.